The Hindu Nationalism and Religious Minorities: The Evolution of Political Cooperation Between BJP and Indian Muslim Community

The article analyzes the transformation of the policy of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India towards religious minorities. The evolution of the attitude of Hindu nationalists towards Muslims is investigated — from denying the right of Muslim political representation to the intention to demonstrate the multiconfessional nature BJP. Special attention is given to the motives that induce a significant minority of Muslims to vote for the party, many of whose leaders at various times were noted for Islamophobic statements. The case of cooperation between BJP and Indian Shi‘a community is being considered separately. The final part of the article is devoted to the situation after 2014 Indian general election. There is a number of issues that directly affect the interests of the Muslim community and require a reaction from Muslims within BJP — the abolition of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 and the decision on the Ayodhya dispute. The conclusion is dedicated to the prospects of the relations between Indian Muslims and the ruling party.

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